In June 2005, the Welsh Assembly Government introduced an allWales school uniform grant scheme to assist families on low
incomes with the purchase of school uniform. The scheme is targeted at pupils entering secondary school as this is the time when parents face the biggest cost for school uniforms in one go.

£770,000 is available in 2008/09 to continue the grant scheme, with £100 available per eligible pupil.

Eligible pupils must be entering Year 7 of maintained secondary school in Wales in the 2008/09 school year who are also eligible for free school meals as well as pupils in special schools, special needs resource bases and pupil referral units in Wales who are aged 11 at the start of the 2008/09 school year and who are eligible for free school meals.

The grant is being administered by local education authorities on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Applications for this grant should be made to Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551. There should also be leaflets giving details about the grant scheme in your child’s school.

Many local authorities across Wales also offer their own financial assistance for the purchase of school uniforms. If your child does not meet the criteria for the Welsh Assembly Government Grant you may still wish to contact your local education authority to find out whether they offer any financial support for the purchase of school uniform and any appropriate qualifying criteria.